16 November, 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
When we first arrived at Makumira, I would awake every morning to the "exotic" (for lack of a better word) chant of the Imam from our neighboring village. I loved waking up to his prayers and readily joined my own prayers and praise with his. And it seemed that I wasn't the only one he awoke because an instant after his first few notes, the local rooster would join in with his scratchy sounding morning alarm---only to have the quacks of the "Afflack" bird (my name because I'm not sure what the real name is but it sounds like the duck in the Afflack commercials!) So the silent dawn suddenly breaks open over Tanzania in a very earthy, yet God-connected way. And in my heart I think, "This is Tanzania at its best!"
Well, I haven't heard the Imam for some time now. I don't know if he's ill (which is quite common here), or has moved away (which is unlikely), or if he has passed away. My hope is that maybe he used a microphone system (It never really sounded like it though) and the system broke. I don't know and there's really no way for me to find out because the Muslim mosque is in the village and only Swahili is spoken there. So I'll wait---along with the rooster and the Afflack duck/bird who continue to perform their duty, but there's definitely a lack without the Imam's prayers blessing the day.
Classes are going well and we are starting to know the students (and as a result their culture) better. In one of my classes we discuss the differences between individualistic cultures and collectivistic (group/tribal) cultures. After the lesson, the students identify what they think are the strengths and weaknesses of each. Their comments are interesting and I'm always amazed at their honesty and bluntness.
Regarding weaknesses of a tribal culture, several students talked about their culture being hierarchical. They stated that this social hierarchy is based on gender (males), birth order (first born), and age (the elderly). This puts women and children at the bottom with a childless woman being nearly an outcast.
One student wrote, "Few people may be powerful so it makes the others voiceless."
Several others commented on how knowledge and information are held by a few (usually elderly males) and only passed along to some. These seminary students saw this an an unfortunate tradition and admire cultures where "knowledge and information is freely available to any one who wishes to have it."
Another wrote: "No hurry" is a common saying, but time management is a problem here. (Oh, what an understatement!!! But an encouraging insight for change!)
Regarding weaknesses of an individual culture, one wrote: "An individual man remains with his problems."
And coming out of a strong, traditional, oral history, another student commented:"People in individualistic cultures forget history so don't learn from it."
The comment that has struck me most was by a student who said his group/tribal culture focuses on the spiritual rather than material. Then he went on to write, "You can't eat if your fellow is suffering from hunger because of your selfishness. We don't have the saying, "It's none of your business."
Sometimes we see ourselves more clearly through the eyes of the poor.
As we in the States begin to enjoy Thanksgiving, may we truly understand our abundance---just by being American.
Thinking of you with much love,
Tim & Diane (pictures will either follow or preceed this I think)
Saturday, November 16
Friday, November 1
First Week of Classes Blog
November 1, 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
Classes have begun at Makumira and the seminary students are very happy about that! They love to learn and are very aware that it is a privilege not available to many, so they take it very seriously.
We have 27 Tanzanian students, plus 3 Germans, and 2 Danish students. This year we have a husband/wife combo, and a female pastor who grew up Muslim and has a heart-wrenching story about how she came to be a Christian.
It looks like another great class, full of Spirit, curiosity, and a sense of humor!
It is a bit of a challenge for Tim and I not only to remember the Tz. names, but also to get the right name with the right student. Actually it is a huge challenge for us, so I decided to make a seating chart and on the first day of class I explained that the students are to sit in the same seat at each class until I learn all their names. (Tim, on the other hand, told his Worship Class, which is composed of the same students, to wear the same outfit to class each time so he can recognize who they are! Fortunately, after a moment's hesitation, the students realized he was joking and thought it was very funny...little did they know...
Anyway, the next time my Psych. Class met, many of the students were sitting in different seats. I recognized this change in seating when I called "Emmanuel"---"Christina," and everyone in the class began to laugh (except for Emmanuel and Christina!) Then they explained to me that they had never heard of a seating chart before and they didn't want to sit where they sat the time before.
So, in an attempt at conflict management, I agreed that this new seating arrangement was absolutely fine. . . . and I'd adjust my seating chart. . . . but they need to keep these seats now. I then proceeded going between the aisles writing down students' names again and two of the students sitting next to each other gave the same name, or so I thought, and I commented to that fact---which resulted in another outbreak of laughter. Everyone started talking excitedly at the same time in an attempt to explain that "Imani" and "Amani" are not at all alike because one means "Faith" and one means "Hope." The students speak very fast and their English has a heavy Swahili/British accent so those names still sound the same when they pronounce them, but I'll take their word for it.
This comedy of errors didn't end there unfortunately. Then there was a student whose real name is "Beatus" but he said he wanted to be called "Bryant----Kobe Bryant" because he (Beatus) thinks Kobe Bryant is a great NBA basketball player and he (Beatus aka Bryant) loves basketball!
So, Bryant it will be....Then somehow there was an extra student. He said he was present. (I thought he thought I was taking roll call.) I agreed that he was present and again asked his name. (I'm sure by now you've figured this all out, buy remember I was still coming off the trauma of Amani/Imani.
By this time the class was again laughing hysterically and I wasn't sure if they were kidding me or not since I've never heard of any Tanzanian named "Present." Well, I guess there's a first time for everything!
The great, great, great news, however, is that the Power Point that I worked on all summer actually worked! First of all, we had electricity, and the presentation went without a glitch! This is a modern day miracle considering my technical abilities. The second day of class wasn't so impressive since we were without electricity---so I guess I'll win some and lose some!
Something that definitely is a "winner," though, are the 2 ringed notebooks equipped with all the class notes and actual copies of all the assigned readings for the Psychology Class. The students don't have textbooks here because of the expense. They copy all their lecture notes by hand and have to look up any assigned readings either in the library (few copies of the outdated books available) or on the internet, but the internet connection is often out for hours or even days. Needless to say, the students were really grateful for such a gift as their "own book." We explained that it was all made possible by Christians in America who gave money for our teaching here. They said several times to tell the people in America, "Asante sana, asante sana---Thank-you, thank-you."
On that note, Tim and I will close by also saying thank-you for your interest and your prayers. We hope this finds you healthy and life going well for you and your families.
I am attempting to add pictures so please scroll down and see if they follow (unless they ended up on the top of this article and then you will have already seen them by this point!)
God's peace,
Tim & Diane P.S. As of the writing of this draft, we are without electricity since this afternoon. Consequently I am writing by lantern and I just saw a gecko slither across the wall right in front of me--but that's ok (I keep telling myself ) because he eats mosquitoes and other creepy, crawly things!
Dear Family and Friends,
Classes have begun at Makumira and the seminary students are very happy about that! They love to learn and are very aware that it is a privilege not available to many, so they take it very seriously.
We have 27 Tanzanian students, plus 3 Germans, and 2 Danish students. This year we have a husband/wife combo, and a female pastor who grew up Muslim and has a heart-wrenching story about how she came to be a Christian.
It looks like another great class, full of Spirit, curiosity, and a sense of humor!
It is a bit of a challenge for Tim and I not only to remember the Tz. names, but also to get the right name with the right student. Actually it is a huge challenge for us, so I decided to make a seating chart and on the first day of class I explained that the students are to sit in the same seat at each class until I learn all their names. (Tim, on the other hand, told his Worship Class, which is composed of the same students, to wear the same outfit to class each time so he can recognize who they are! Fortunately, after a moment's hesitation, the students realized he was joking and thought it was very funny...little did they know...
Anyway, the next time my Psych. Class met, many of the students were sitting in different seats. I recognized this change in seating when I called "Emmanuel"---"Christina," and everyone in the class began to laugh (except for Emmanuel and Christina!) Then they explained to me that they had never heard of a seating chart before and they didn't want to sit where they sat the time before.
So, in an attempt at conflict management, I agreed that this new seating arrangement was absolutely fine. . . . and I'd adjust my seating chart. . . . but they need to keep these seats now. I then proceeded going between the aisles writing down students' names again and two of the students sitting next to each other gave the same name, or so I thought, and I commented to that fact---which resulted in another outbreak of laughter. Everyone started talking excitedly at the same time in an attempt to explain that "Imani" and "Amani" are not at all alike because one means "Faith" and one means "Hope." The students speak very fast and their English has a heavy Swahili/British accent so those names still sound the same when they pronounce them, but I'll take their word for it.
This comedy of errors didn't end there unfortunately. Then there was a student whose real name is "Beatus" but he said he wanted to be called "Bryant----Kobe Bryant" because he (Beatus) thinks Kobe Bryant is a great NBA basketball player and he (Beatus aka Bryant) loves basketball!
So, Bryant it will be....Then somehow there was an extra student. He said he was present. (I thought he thought I was taking roll call.) I agreed that he was present and again asked his name. (I'm sure by now you've figured this all out, buy remember I was still coming off the trauma of Amani/Imani.
By this time the class was again laughing hysterically and I wasn't sure if they were kidding me or not since I've never heard of any Tanzanian named "Present." Well, I guess there's a first time for everything!
The great, great, great news, however, is that the Power Point that I worked on all summer actually worked! First of all, we had electricity, and the presentation went without a glitch! This is a modern day miracle considering my technical abilities. The second day of class wasn't so impressive since we were without electricity---so I guess I'll win some and lose some!
Something that definitely is a "winner," though, are the 2 ringed notebooks equipped with all the class notes and actual copies of all the assigned readings for the Psychology Class. The students don't have textbooks here because of the expense. They copy all their lecture notes by hand and have to look up any assigned readings either in the library (few copies of the outdated books available) or on the internet, but the internet connection is often out for hours or even days. Needless to say, the students were really grateful for such a gift as their "own book." We explained that it was all made possible by Christians in America who gave money for our teaching here. They said several times to tell the people in America, "Asante sana, asante sana---Thank-you, thank-you."
On that note, Tim and I will close by also saying thank-you for your interest and your prayers. We hope this finds you healthy and life going well for you and your families.
I am attempting to add pictures so please scroll down and see if they follow (unless they ended up on the top of this article and then you will have already seen them by this point!)
God's peace,
Tim & Diane P.S. As of the writing of this draft, we are without electricity since this afternoon. Consequently I am writing by lantern and I just saw a gecko slither across the wall right in front of me--but that's ok (I keep telling myself ) because he eats mosquitoes and other creepy, crawly things!
First Week of Classes
Power point works!!! Wahoooo!
It looks much better in the classroom but this gives you an idea.
Married students often grow a vegetable garden on campus. Here Tim is talking with a few of our students from last year, Theresa and her son Bernard and daughter Nellie, who are watering and hoeing their plants.
More of our students from last year, Deborah and friend working their garden. This is an area where snakes often appear.
Picture of a Tanzanian on the main highway transporting grass cuttings on his bike for food for his goats.
Monkies playing "Tag--You're It" on our roof.
One monkey looking in at another (Tim was sitting at our desk working on the computer when he looked up as saw this!)
Beautiful Mt. Kilimanjaro--60 miles away!!! Truly awesome on a clear day.
(Hopefully, a blog will either preceed or follow these pictures--so keep scrolling!
Monday, October 7
Monday, October 7, 2013
Dear Friends---Greetings from Makumira Seminary,
We arrived one week ago today. We are living in the same house as last year, and we are living by ourselves. Four Koreans have been living in the house for several months and it was being considered for us to live with them and all share the house. We are very, very grateful that the administration decided to make other arrangements and that we are able to have the house like last year.
We also found out the classes we will be teaching. Tim will continue to teach the worship class and have a senior faculty pastor teach the practicum part with Tim assisting. Apparently there is a meeting this week for the ELCT regarding standardizing their worship, so they want to implement this thru the seminary. Tim is looking forward to working with this very dear faculty member whom we got to know last year.
I will continue to teach the Introduction to Counseling to Seminary students like last year plus I will be teaching this course to University students who enroll in the new Counseling Degree Program as well. That should be interesting.
Unfortunately, 2 weeks ago, the University changed the date for classes to begin from Oct. 8th to Oct. 21st. It was too expensive to change our tickets and numerous arrangements had already been made so we are here quite early. Being our second year, it has been a much easier transition. We had made arrangements last year to rent a car from a faculty member's friend who was a car dealer. When we went to make the connection, we learned that the man had sold the car and went out of business----so it's back to dala dala land! (As Tim told someone who asked how we got to church on Sunday, "We went with 28 of our "closest" friends!---It is unbelievably crowded and not safe.) This really is a big disappointment, but there's one other possibility that we are pursuing, so maybe we will have transportation after all.
We continue to be struck by the massive poverty here. We recently talked with a student who needed to return for an emergency to campus where his family is staying. He is 2 days away on internship. He had to ask his intern pastor for money for the bus. The intern pastor only had enough for the first leg of the trip. The student was unsure of how he would go the rest of the way but was able to find a relative in the city the bus stopped at after the first day. The relative gave him a cup of tea and money for the next part of the trip. The student arrived on campus having only had a cup of tea in 24 hours and no money for his transportation back. His story is so typical. We truly have so much by the world's standards. The haunting question for us is, what is our role regarding giving money--who do you give to--the maimed beggars on the streets of Arusha... the seminary students who can only afford one meal of rice a day...the requests for tuition money so students can send their children to school (knowing that education is ultimately a key to getting out of poverty)...or the lady at the market who wants you to hire her brother to work in your yard because he has had no work since last year....and these are just the requests from one week....
Well, there's much to learn and much to think about here.
On a brighter note, we are thrilled to hear the Buckeyes continue to do well. We aren't having much luck in getting live radio, but the printed news is very welcomed.
We ask for your prayers and look forward to your emails. More after school starts,
Kwa her (good-bye),
Tim & Diane
Dear Friends---Greetings from Makumira Seminary,
We arrived one week ago today. We are living in the same house as last year, and we are living by ourselves. Four Koreans have been living in the house for several months and it was being considered for us to live with them and all share the house. We are very, very grateful that the administration decided to make other arrangements and that we are able to have the house like last year.
We also found out the classes we will be teaching. Tim will continue to teach the worship class and have a senior faculty pastor teach the practicum part with Tim assisting. Apparently there is a meeting this week for the ELCT regarding standardizing their worship, so they want to implement this thru the seminary. Tim is looking forward to working with this very dear faculty member whom we got to know last year.
I will continue to teach the Introduction to Counseling to Seminary students like last year plus I will be teaching this course to University students who enroll in the new Counseling Degree Program as well. That should be interesting.
Unfortunately, 2 weeks ago, the University changed the date for classes to begin from Oct. 8th to Oct. 21st. It was too expensive to change our tickets and numerous arrangements had already been made so we are here quite early. Being our second year, it has been a much easier transition. We had made arrangements last year to rent a car from a faculty member's friend who was a car dealer. When we went to make the connection, we learned that the man had sold the car and went out of business----so it's back to dala dala land! (As Tim told someone who asked how we got to church on Sunday, "We went with 28 of our "closest" friends!---It is unbelievably crowded and not safe.) This really is a big disappointment, but there's one other possibility that we are pursuing, so maybe we will have transportation after all.
We continue to be struck by the massive poverty here. We recently talked with a student who needed to return for an emergency to campus where his family is staying. He is 2 days away on internship. He had to ask his intern pastor for money for the bus. The intern pastor only had enough for the first leg of the trip. The student was unsure of how he would go the rest of the way but was able to find a relative in the city the bus stopped at after the first day. The relative gave him a cup of tea and money for the next part of the trip. The student arrived on campus having only had a cup of tea in 24 hours and no money for his transportation back. His story is so typical. We truly have so much by the world's standards. The haunting question for us is, what is our role regarding giving money--who do you give to--the maimed beggars on the streets of Arusha... the seminary students who can only afford one meal of rice a day...the requests for tuition money so students can send their children to school (knowing that education is ultimately a key to getting out of poverty)...or the lady at the market who wants you to hire her brother to work in your yard because he has had no work since last year....and these are just the requests from one week....
Well, there's much to learn and much to think about here.
On a brighter note, we are thrilled to hear the Buckeyes continue to do well. We aren't having much luck in getting live radio, but the printed news is very welcomed.
We ask for your prayers and look forward to your emails. More after school starts,
Kwa her (good-bye),
Tim & Diane
We were welcomed back by our cat from last year waiting on our doorstep!There are lots of colorful birds in Tz. Sometimes our front yard looks like a bird sanctuary. This picture was taken while sitting at our desk looking out our front window.
We're living in the same brick house. It is the dry season now, but in a few months the gardener will have things watered and beautiful again.
Cactus grows on the side of our house all year in the dry season or wet season!The cactus adds a nice touch of color.
The Jacaranda trees are just beginning to bloom. They are absolutely gorgeous and as they drop their blooms they literally carpet the roads and paths with a delicate purple.
Unfortunately I don't know the name of these lovely flowers, but the are common on campus.Likewise for these.
The lane by our house is very quiet right now since the students have not yet returned.
Sunday, September 29
Heading Back to Tanzania On Sunday
Dear Friends,
We are on the countdown to leave for Tanzania tomorrow. It has been a wonderful time at home but we are also looking forward to returning to Makumira. We hope to start the blog some time later next week after we settle in. We ask for your prayers for the students as well as for us as we begin another chapter of this journey.
Looking forward to sharing our experiences with you,
Tim & Diane
We are on the countdown to leave for Tanzania tomorrow. It has been a wonderful time at home but we are also looking forward to returning to Makumira. We hope to start the blog some time later next week after we settle in. We ask for your prayers for the students as well as for us as we begin another chapter of this journey.
Looking forward to sharing our experiences with you,
Tim & Diane
Tuesday, February 12
Back On U.S. Soil!
12 February, 2013
Dear Family & Friends--
We arrived safely home Sunday evening, and now I find myself sitting at the kitchen table, bundled up from Ohio's brisk chill outside, and reflecting---"What was it really all about---that Tanzania experience?" I suspect it's one of those questions that will take time to work through. But here are a few "first thoughts."
It was about surprises. From the time we arrived at Makumira until the time we left, we found ourselves being constantly "surprised!" We were surprised to discover that communication can be very complicated even when the participants are speaking the same English language (Tanzanian English vs. American English).
We were even told by our students when we first arrived that Tim & I "didn't have very good English!" (By the time we left last week, we were all thrilled with how well we had all managed to communicate and better yet--to understand each other!)
We were also surprised to learn that we had expectations that we didn't even realize we had...
---subtle things like expecting cars to use headlights when they're driven at night
---we didn't realize that we expected to eat rice without grit and tiny stones in it
---we did not expect so many absences from class due to family deaths
---we didn't expect to hear so much singing--from birds and students. Both were beautiful!
---we didn't expect so much genuine respect from the students. Nor did we ever expect to hear of such enormous sacrifices they make to become pastors.
---we didn't expect to be so much out of our comfort zone at times
--- we didn't expect to be so "stretched" in our thinking and understanding
---We didn't expect to fall in love--
with the students so much---people whose lives are vastly different from our own.
with each other--as we grew and shared the challenges, hardships, and rewards of following God's call,
and with God --whose creation and love far exceed our limited expectations.
So now, as we reconnect with precious family and friends, we find ourselves very grateful for God's protection and care. And we are also very grateful for your prayers and interest. We plan to return to Makumira in October and teach another semester. But until then, we are excited about getting together with you and getting "caught up."
As they say in Tanzania, " Mungu Akubarike"
God bless you,
Tim & Diane
Dear Family & Friends--
We arrived safely home Sunday evening, and now I find myself sitting at the kitchen table, bundled up from Ohio's brisk chill outside, and reflecting---"What was it really all about---that Tanzania experience?" I suspect it's one of those questions that will take time to work through. But here are a few "first thoughts."
It was about surprises. From the time we arrived at Makumira until the time we left, we found ourselves being constantly "surprised!" We were surprised to discover that communication can be very complicated even when the participants are speaking the same English language (Tanzanian English vs. American English).
We were even told by our students when we first arrived that Tim & I "didn't have very good English!" (By the time we left last week, we were all thrilled with how well we had all managed to communicate and better yet--to understand each other!)
We were also surprised to learn that we had expectations that we didn't even realize we had...
---subtle things like expecting cars to use headlights when they're driven at night
---we didn't realize that we expected to eat rice without grit and tiny stones in it
---we did not expect so many absences from class due to family deaths
---we didn't expect to hear so much singing--from birds and students. Both were beautiful!
---we didn't expect so much genuine respect from the students. Nor did we ever expect to hear of such enormous sacrifices they make to become pastors.
---we didn't expect to be so much out of our comfort zone at times
--- we didn't expect to be so "stretched" in our thinking and understanding
---We didn't expect to fall in love--
with the students so much---people whose lives are vastly different from our own.
with each other--as we grew and shared the challenges, hardships, and rewards of following God's call,
and with God --whose creation and love far exceed our limited expectations.
So now, as we reconnect with precious family and friends, we find ourselves very grateful for God's protection and care. And we are also very grateful for your prayers and interest. We plan to return to Makumira in October and teach another semester. But until then, we are excited about getting together with you and getting "caught up."
As they say in Tanzania, " Mungu Akubarike"
God bless you,
Tim & Diane
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